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Nature & wildlife attractions in Essex

With rolling landscapes and more rural walks than you could shake a hiking stick at, Essex certainly has much to offer when it comes to nature and wildlife attractions. Here we take a look at just a few of the region's offerings for those who want to explore the greater outdoors and the diverse wildlife that Essex is home to.

Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum is home to a wonderful collection of woodland walks, a play area and manicured gardens. The gardens feature trees that are grouped by geographical region, making for a fascinating landscape.

Marks Hall can actually date its heritage all the way back to Saxon times and today there is an archaeological dig that is hoping to uncover what remains of the mansion that sat upon this site in 1088.

This RSPB nature reserve is the ideal place to go birdwatching, as well as a wonderful base from which to explore the lands with a walk. Look out for flocks of lapwings within the winter skies, peregrines who go hunting and widgeons that graze the wetlands around you.

The RHS Garden Hyde Hall is an ideal option for those looking for an easy, enjoyable walk for the entire family. There are plenty of events that run all year through, with guided walks in winter and insect talks for the children in spring.

The Beth Chatto Gardens is likely one of the most ideal of places to experience natural habitats within Essex, and alongside the beautiful woodlands that make up these landscapes are Water Gardens, Gravel Gardens and Scree Beds - truly a place for inspiration for the avid Gardner.

The Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project offers a great opportunity for exploring conservation in action. This project is something that has not been attempted before, at least not on this scale, and aims to overcome the threats of climate change and coastal flooding through recreating the wetland landscapes of ancient times.

Visit and see for yourself just how the team are progressing in their mission and relax within surroundings that are perfect for walking, cycling, birdwatching and painting.

Nature and wildlife that spans far beyond this page

As a region of beauty and plenty of rural areas Essex has much to offer in the way of nature and wildlife attractions. The places listed here don't even touch upon all that this county serves up for nature and wildlife lovers, so head on over to search through our directory for even more great days outside in Essex.